Course Profile: Boundaries for office based staff (1 Day)
There is a strong relationship between effective performance in the workplace, the degree of stress that staff experience and the prevailing work culture in terms of appropriate professional boundaries. Poor boundaries in the workplace can lead to dysfunctional teams, poor interpersonal relationships, ineffective work practice and in some cases bullying, harassment and litigation. For teams to function in a healthy way they need clarity regarding professional and organisational expectations regarding boundaries; supported by clear policy. Staff need to be able to subscribe to defined boundaries.

This course offers an overview of the boundaries that are expected, what poor boundaries can result in and how to begin to strengthen weaker boundaries in the interest of all individuals and the organisation.

The course is informed by the organisations Policies, Transactional Analysis and Assertiveness theory.
The course is designed for office based staff in all settings. The course will, through the promotion of a ‘healthier’ work culture, assist the organisation deliver a better service to customers.
Learning outcomes

By the end of the course learners should understand:

• What is meant by ‘boundaries’
• How personal boundaries are very different to those at work
• Why we need to have clarity regarding boundaries at work
• Where do we find this clarity?
• The potential consequences of poor boundaries within a team; for all involved
• Typical areas that cause boundary problems:
       - Personal relationships at work, gossip, sub-grouping, breaches of confidentiality
       - Language, humour, sexual innuendo, personal comments, discriminatory views
       - Inappropriate touch, lack of courtesy, over familiarity, inappropriate self-disclosure
       - Lack of responsibility, missed deadlines, ‘dumping’ on others
• How small boundary issues can grow
• How an unhealthy culture can develop
• How each person can help promote appropriate boundaries and change the culture
• How the team as a whole can lead change
• Assertiveness skills that can easily be applied
• Workers rights and the organisation’s responsibilities
• Organisational Policy and guidelines
Training methods utilised include Tutor presentation, PowerPoint, Chalk and talk, Word shower method, Discussion, Work in pairs, Quiz, Handouts, Role Play